The transport ministry has cut the proposed increase in bus fares for senior citizens who travel on Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses, following a meeting with stakeholders yesterday.

The proposal for an amendment was presented to the prime minister and members of the Cabinet by Transport Minister Dr Omar Davies, and Cabinet approved the change to the fare structure announced on Wednesday.

The ministry announced that instead of paying the previously proposed fare of $60 come Sunday when the fare hike will take effect, persons 60 years and older will be required to pay $40.

At present, senior citizens pay $20 on JUTC buses.

Many senior citizens had complained that they were unable to afford an additional $40 with some being moved to tears as they prepared to be restricted because of the hiked fare.

Following the meeting with government representatives and public-sector unions yesterday, the transport ministry said the Cabinet agreed to the $20 rollback.

But while senior citizens have been given a reprieve, there will be no change in the announced fare structure for the other categories. This means that come Sunday, adults will pay $120, up from $100, while students and the disabled will pay $30, up from $20.